Governor Jack Markell and other top National Governors Association members called on House and Senate Armed Services leaders Monday to freeze the Air National Guard at current levels, an effort to further stave off cuts proposed by the Air Force for fiscal 2013.

“In the absence of an agreement on the Air Force’s budget proposal for FY2013, and without an agreement between governors and DoD on a consultative process for future years we request your continued support in conference for the freeze in ANG manpower and aircraft and for the Senate’s proposed National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force,” the letter reads.

The letter, signed by Markell, NGA vice chair Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, and NGA co-chairs Gov. Terry Branstad of Iowa and Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington, was sent to Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Rep. Howard McKeon, R-Calif., and Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash. the chairmen and ranking members of the two congressional committees.

Last winter, the Air Force sent a jolt through the Air Guard community with a proposed budget that would cut the force by some 5,000 jobs and 200 aircraft. The Guard, and every state governor, launched a mega-lobbying effort that convinced the Pentagon to back off.

Subsequently, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to prohibit the Air Guard from making the Air Guard cuts and to create the commission. This group’s report would include “particular consideration for a structure that … appropriately balances the regular and reserve components and maintains their unique capabilities (and) ensures reserve components can meet current and anticipated homeland security requirements …”

The Senate passed its defense authorization act last week. The bill now has to be reconciled with the House-passed bill in conference committee. The House bill also favors creation of the commission and prohibits the Air Force from spending any appropriated dollars to trim the number of Air Guard aircraft. It also makes clear that all units are to be maintained at current levels in fiscal 2013.

The governors hope to influence that final product and “rectify the surprising and disproportionate cuts facing” the Air National Guard. “While we recognize the Air Force’s recent attempt to revise its earlier proposal, there has not been sufficient time for all interested parties to fully review the details, assess impact and discuss modifications,” they wrote.